- shackle
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—shackler, n./shak"euhl/, n., v., shackled, shackling.n.1. a ring or other fastening, as of iron, for securing the wrist, ankle, etc.; fetter.2. a hobble or fetter for a horse or other animal.3. the U-shaped bar of a padlock, one end of which is pivoted or sliding, the other end of which can be released, as for passing through a staple, and then fastened, as for securing a hasp.4. any of various fastening or coupling devices.5. Often, shackles. anything that serves to prevent freedom of procedure, thought, etc.v.t.6. to put a shackle or shackles on; confine or restrain by a shackle or shackles.7. to fasten or couple with a shackle.8. to restrain in action, thought, etc., as by restrictions; restrict the freedom of.[bef. 1000; (n.) ME schakle, schakyl(le); OE sceacel fetter; c. LG schakel hobble, ON skokull wagon pole, (v.) late ME schaklyn, deriv. of the n.]Syn. 1. chain, manacle, handcuff, gyve, bilboes. 5. obstacle, obstruction, impediment, encumbrance. 6. restrict, fetter, chain, handcuff, hobble. 8. trammel, impede, slow, stultify, dull.Ant. 6, 8. liberate, free.
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Universalium. 2010.